University of Michigan

The University of Michigan was originally founded in Detroit on August 26, 1817, as the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania, by the governor and judges of Michigan Territory. The institution was intended to provide education in many branches and has grown significantly over the years, moving to Ann Arbor in 1837.

In 1871, the University of Michigan became one of the first universities in the United States to admit women when Madelon Stockwell became the first female student. This marked an important milestone in the history of the university and the broader movement for women's rights, highlighting its role in advancing gender equality in higher education.

The University of Michigan had its first female regent, Lucinda Hinsdale Stone, inaugurated in 1920. Stone was a significant figure in promoting coeducation and the inclusion of women at the university. Her contributions were pivotal in shaping the policies that encouraged diversity and equal opportunity for all students regardless of gender.

In March 1965, faculty members and students of the University of Michigan organized the first ever teach-in to protest the Vietnam War. This form of protest later became popular on university campuses across the United States. It involved debates, speeches, and discussions throughout the night, raising awareness and encouraging critical thought on important political issues.

In 2000, the University of Michigan partnered with Focus:HOPE, a civil and human rights organization. This partnership was aimed at promoting education and economic opportunities in Detroit through various programs and collaborations, showcasing the university's commitment to civic engagement and community service in urban development and equality.

In 1837, the University of Michigan moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor, where it has remained to this day. This move was prompted by the desire for a permanent location and the offer by the newly founded town of Ann Arbor to provide land for the university. The campus started with just a few buildings but has since expanded to a large and distinguished university.

The Michigan Solar Car Team was founded in 1989 and has since become one of the leading solar car teams in the world. The team designs, builds, and races solar-powered vehicles, participating in competitions such as the American Solar Challenge and the World Solar Challenge. Their work promotes sustainability and innovation in renewable energy technologies.

The University of Michigan introduced the M-Pathways System in 1997, a robust electronic system designed to manage student records, financial operations, and other administrative functions. This system modernized the way the university operated, facilitating better service for students, faculty, and staff, streamlining operations across its campuses.

On June 23, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in Grutter v. Bollinger, a landmark case involving the University of Michigan Law School's use of affirmative action in admissions. The Court upheld the policy, affirming the educational benefits of a diverse student body and validating race-conscious admissions processes as a means to achieve diversity.

On November 17, 2011, the University of Michigan launched the Victors for Michigan campaign, one of the largest fundraising campaigns in the history of public higher education. The campaign aimed to raise $4 billion to support student scholarships, engage in groundbreaking research, and enhance the university's impact both locally and worldwide.

The University of Michigan announced the Biosciences Initiative in February 2018, a major effort to boost its excellence in biosciences research by investing $150 million. The initiative seeks to foster cutting-edge research, attract top scientific talent, and enhance collaboration across various disciplines, strengthening the university's role in scientific innovation.

The University of Michigan launched the Poverty Solutions initiative in September 2019 to address poverty-related challenges through research, policy, and community partnerships. The initiative focuses on informing public policy, developing innovative solutions, and addressing the roots of poverty, reflecting U-M's commitment to social equity and impact.

In March 2020, the University of Michigan responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to remote learning and enacting health protocols to ensure the safety of its community. These measures included suspending in-person classes, closing campus facilities, and adopting virtual platforms to continue education and research, marking an unprecedented shift in operations.